The Art of Zen Gardening: Crafting Peace and Harmony
They’re not just for decoration. Nor are they designed to give the impression that you’ve mastered it and are now a “peace-trotting god or goddess.”
Then what the heck is Zen Gardening all about?
I also asked a business associate about the pretty little sand garden he had perched on the corner of his massive desk. His response? “It was a gift. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with it!”
It’s funny how sometimes the simplest things can be overlooked.
So, I did my research. Curious about the topic and wondering if the benefits are real, I purchased this book by Ryota Sato on Zen Gardening. It turns out that the minute “adult sandboxes” have profound mental and physical health benefits and cultural traditions. The same is true for the big backyard ones. Harkening back to Japanese culture and Zen Buddhism, these small and full-scale gardens are used for stress reduction and gaining clarity and wisdom, and they also have a spiritual dimension.
The author introduces the word Karesansui, which roughly translates to using minimal aesthetics to amplify the beauty of the Earth. Having a profound reverence for nature, create a garden that honors the serenity of the natural tapestry.
Okay, I’m in. Any approach to gardening that’s simplistic, minimalistic, and respects nature speaks to me. Now, mind you, I’m no gardener. I may have helped my dad out a time or two, and maybe had a pot of herbs, but beyond that, Nada!
While this book is a “how-to,” it’s also a history and cultural lesson.
I love how the author uses phrases like “symphony of stone and serenity” and a “Zen retreat for the soul” to describe the gardens. The more you learn about these little (or big) gardens, the more you want to indulge your imagination and create a little Zen corner. The author also outlines the Seven Zen principles for crafting your Japanese garden oasis. Coupled with traditional design principles, required tools, and natural elements, the garden soon takes life in your imagination. Translating this to the ground is all part of the healing journey experienced in Zen gardening.
According to Manita Bajaj, CEO of Sattva Life, Zen gardens use rocks and gravel or sand to recreate the essence of nature.
The swirling patterns give a Zen Garden a complete look. These lines are important because they have a calming effect on the spirit. They also inspire discipline and focus. Dare I say “mindfulness?” They are designed to encourage pausing, breathing, meditating, and focusing on the present. Zen gardens also help you develop a sense of creativity, discipline, and an uplifting appreciation of beauty. Caring for a Zen Garden may be a clever way to start training for a better and healthier you. It’s a tool or a sanctuary—take your pick. Regardless of how you refer to it, these little gardens are meant to work wonders, decreasing stress and uplifting the spirit.
I’m not sure I’m ready to turn a large portion of my backyard into a Zen Garden yet. My cattle dog would probably tear it apart.
Still, the idea holds promise.
Source: Purchased
